CR-V

Make
Honda
Segment
SUV

They ought to have a separate "Crossover of the Year" award. That's because many of this year's contestants for Motor Trend's SUV of the Year are, in fact, crossovers. Both body-on-frame and unibody vehicles were put through a series of tests to determine which one best executed the required set of criteria: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Performance of Intended Function, Efficiency, Safety, and Value. So which SUV/CUV excelled the most here? The 2015 Honda CR-V.

If you pay attention to these kinds of things, you'll note that the Honda CR-V SUV wasn't completely redesigned for this model year. It was given a mid-life facelift. However, Honda went and basically gave the fourth-gen CR-V, launched for 2012, a drastic reboot. Gone is the depressing five-speed automatic transmission. It's been replaced by a new CVT automatic with a torque converter. MT noted no "rubber-bandiness." Also added is a new 2.4-liter four banger with direct injection rated at 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. The chassis was also heavily reworked and fuel efficiency was improved.

One editor stated that "the CR-V shows you don't have to lose the fun factor when buying something economical." But perhaps this comment summarized things best: "A careful rework of a best-seller, executed with typical Honda thoughtfulness."

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